The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) over reports of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) being threatened in West Bengal during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The apex court issued a notice to the ECI on a plea seeking protection for BLOs deployed for SIR work. The apex court directed the Election Commission to place before it details of incidents where officials have been threatened. Expressing concern over alleged non-cooperation by the state government, the bench warned that if steps were not taken immediately, the situation could “lead to anarchy.”
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that BLOs were performing crucial field work under severe pressure. CJI Kant said that it is a matter of grave concern if security is not provided to BLOs.
During the hearing, Justice Bagchi said, “This is not a desk work. They go to each house, verify, then enumeration is submitted to him (the BLO) and then he uploads. He goes from house to house enumeration process and then take it and upload it. This is the pressure they are under. Which is strain and stress. We are not on (political) narratives (being created). We want to ensure that SIR at ground level is done without any itches.”
On the growing number of instances of disruptions, the Election Commission informed the Court that it may be compelled to seek police deputation to ensure the safety of BLOs. The Commission asserted that it holds constitutional authority to act against threats or interference targeting officers involved in the electoral roll revision process.